Weed smoker of 10 years shares harsh reality of first few weeks of quitting
Giving up anything that has been a daily feature in your life for a decade is no easy feat - as this person found out while knocking their weed habit on the head.
Bella Rose, who is better known as OnlyJayus online, documented the harsh reality of what happened during the first few days of them quitting cannabis.
The content creator - who uses the pronouns they, her and him - explained they decided to give up blowing trees after a ten-year stint when they realised how dependent they had become on it.
Bella firmly believes that 'marijuana is addictive', despite some people insisting otherwise.
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"No matter what anyone tries to say or tell you to convince themselves... it is," they said. "After ten years of smoking, I've finally been able to acknowledge this and decide that it's time for me to stop."
Three years ago, Bella shared a video to YouTube explaining what kind of withdrawal symptoms they experienced in the first seven days after quitting.
Stopping smoking weed might sound simple to some folks, but it's actually often not as easy as it sounds.
What happens when you quit smoking weed?
If you've been chronically using it like Bella was, you will likely experience some withdrawal symptoms when you call it quits.
According to guidance from American Addiction Centres, these usually kick in within 24 to 72 hours of the last time you used.
You might deal with irritability, nervousness or anxiety, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, weight loss and decreased appetite, restlessness and a depressed mood.
Physical symptoms such as tremors, sweating, headache, chills, nausea, and stomach pain might also take hold, and how long these last varies from person to person. It is also dependent on how heavy of a weed user you were.
But the good news is, these withdrawal symptoms usually resolve themselves within a fortnight, although sleeping troubles can persist for much longer.
Explaining there is light at the end of the tunnel, American Addiction Centres states: "By the time the second week [of detoxing] is over, most people are feeling stable and strong again."
In Bella's case, they admitted that they found the first three days 'the most difficult'.
The social media star said they endured a 'constant, excruciating headache that wouldn't go away, no matter how much water they drank', as well as other physical and mental withdrawal symptoms.
"My appetite was non-existent," Bella said. "I was trying to force myself to eat and it just wasn't happening. My insomnia, that I thought I had beaten a year ago, came back.
"My energy levels were just on the floor, I couldn't get through any of my workouts and that was extremely frustrating for me. I was also extremely irritable, every little thing was setting me off."
However, she announced that by the time she made it through one entire week without weed, she was 'feeling better... but not great'.
People were full of praise for Bella in the comment section of the clip and complimented them for getting through arguably the most difficult part of detoxing from weed.
One person said: "Sobriety is a flex within itself! Be proud of taking the step away of needing a substance to help you live day to day."
Another wrote: "It takes insane willpower and determination to really quit something that you have been addicted to for years. If you are able to accomplish it, nothing can stop you."
A third added: "Kicking the bud is going to be a marathon, if you can only take a couple steps a day it’s still progress. You got this."
If you're planning on giving up your weed habit, remember to give yourself some grace and that your body needs a chance to get used to no longer being blasted with THC on a regular basis.
And you can always have a chat with your GP or local drugs services to find out the best plan of action if you have any concerns.
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.
Topics: Drugs, Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle
Olivia Burke